Dustcap with built-in cleaner

ABSTRACT

A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/816,613 filed Aug. 1, 2022, which is a continuation of Ser. No.17/028,083 filed Sep. 22, 2020, patented as U.S. Pat. No. 11,422,314 andissued Aug. 23, 2022, entitled “Dustcap With Built-In Cleaner,” and isrelated to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/479,419 filed Sep. 20, 2021,entitled “Dustcap With Built-In Cleaner, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber systems andmore specifically to dustcaps for optical fiber connectors.

BACKGROUND

Data, voice, and other communication networks are increasingly usingfiber optics to carry information. In a fiber optic network, eachindividual fiber is generally connected to both a source and adestination device. Additionally, along the fiber optic run between thesource and the destination, various connections or couplings may be madeon the optical fiber to adjust the length of the fiber or to providetermination connection ports for end users at which one or more fibersmay be branched from a feed cable. In instances when the connection maybe exposed to weather conditions, an essentially waterproofconfiguration of components is needed. With the increasing desire forcompletely optical networks, “fiber to the premises” (FTTP) or “fiber tothe home” (FTTH) systems are being developed to provide optical fibersthat extend from the source to the site of the end-user. Optical fiberenclosures are used for management of cables that extend to various userlocations.

To interconnect the cables, various cable connector designs provide forlow insertion loss and stability. Some example connectors may include,but are not limited to, SC, Dual LC, LC, ST and MPO connectors. Forexample, ferrules (one in each connector, or one in the connector andone in the apparatus or device), each containing an optical fiber end,are butted together end to end and light travels across the junction.

Dirt or contamination on the end of a ferrule of an optical fiberconnector hinders performance. Cleaning of optical fiber connectors andferrules is essential to providing quality fiber installations. Thus,there is a need to inspect fiber optic connectors and conveniently cleanthem when necessary.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a dustcap comprising a body.The body comprises a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferruleof an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite thecylindrical portion, wherein the end portion includes a receptacle. Thedustcap further comprises a cleaner disposed within the receptacle, anda cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. Thecover may be removable from the end portion of the dustcap. The covermay comprise a plurality of tabs configured to snap on the end portionof the dustcap. The body may further comprise a divider between thecylindrical portion and the end portion of the dustcap. In someembodiments, the end portion may have a tapered portion. In someembodiments, the cylindrical portion may have a first diameter and theend portion may have a second diameter larger than the first diameter.In some embodiments, the body may comprise a single integral piece.

According to another aspect, there is provided a dustcap comprising acover having a receptacle. A cleaner is disposed within the receptacle.The dustcap further comprises a body having a cylindrical portionconfigured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and anend portion opposite the cylindrical portion, wherein the end portion isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the cover. The cover may beremovable from the end portion of the dustcap. The cover may comprise aplurality of tabs configured to snap into the end portion of thedustcap. In some embodiments, the body may further comprise a dividerbetween the cylindrical portion and the end portion of the dustcap. Insome embodiments, the end portion may have a tapered portion. In someembodiments, the cylindrical portion may have a first diameter and theend portion may have a second diameter larger than the first diameter.In some embodiments, the body may be configured as an integral piece.

According to another aspect, there is provided a dustcap having a bodycomprising a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of anoptical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindricalportion, wherein the end portion includes a flat surface. The dustcapfurther comprises a cleaner disposed on the flat surface of the endportion. The dustcap further comprises a cover configured to receive theend portion of the dustcap. The cover may be removable from the endportion of the dustcap. The cover may comprise a plurality of tabsconfigured to snap on the end portion of the dustcap. In someembodiments, the body may be provided as a single integral piece. Insome embodiments, the end portion may have a tapered portion. In someembodiments, the cylindrical portion may have a first diameter and theend portion may have a second diameter larger than the first diameter.

The present disclosure is not limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dustcap;

FIG. 1B shows an exemplary size of the dustcap of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dustcap includinga cleaner according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 2A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C shows an exemplary size of the dustcap of FIG. 2A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the dustcap of FIG. 2A being insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 2A insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dustcapincluding a cleaner according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 3A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C shows an exemplary size of the dustcap of FIG. 3A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the dustcap of FIG. 3A being insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 3A insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dustcapincluding a cleaner according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 4A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C shows an exemplary size of the dustcap of FIG. 4A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the dustcap of FIG. 4A being insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 4A insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dustcap withcleaner being inserted into an optical fiber connector according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 5A insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dustcap withcleaner being inserted into an optical fiber connector according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 6A insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dustcap withcleaner being inserted into an optical fiber connector according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap of FIG. 7A insertedinto an optical fiber connector according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cleaner assemblyfor coupling to an optical fiber connector according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner assembly of FIG. 8Acoupled to an optical fiber connector according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter dustcapincluding a cleaner according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter dustcap of FIG. 9Aaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adapterdustcap including a cleaner according to aspects of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter dustcap of FIG. 10Aaccording to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Inspection and cleaning of fiber optic connectors and ferrules isessential to providing reliable optical fiber connections. Aspects ofthe present disclosure are directed at dustcaps with built-in cleanersfor optical fiber connectors and ferrules. Embodiments provide an easyand convenient way to clean an optical fiber connector and ferrule whennecessary, using a cleaner embedded within the connector's dustcap.Embodiments of the dustcaps disclosed herein may be configured for usewith different types of connectors and ferrules, including but notlimited to SC, Dual LC, LC, ST and MPO connectors. Various embodimentsmay be configured to receive either a ferrule or a portion of an opticalfiber connector. Various embodiments may also be configured as adapterdustcaps with built-in cleaners. Embodiments may also be usedconveniently in the field at any network location. A dustcap with abuilt-in cleaner may be provided separately or as a component of anoptical fiber connector. Embodiments may also be configured as cleanerassemblies configured to fit on dustcaps. Embodiments thus simplify theconnector cleaning process, thereby simplifying deployment and repair ofconnectors, and improving network reliability.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dustcap 100. The dustcap 100 is astandard dustcap configured to cover an optical fiber connector ferrule.The dustcap 100 has a tube 102 configured to receive a ferrule of anoptical fiber connector. The dustcap 100 has a cylindrical portion 104and an end portion 106 at one end of the cylindrical portion. The endportion 106 is also cylindrical shaped, with a tapering portion 108extending towards the cylindrical portion 104. A diameter of thecylindrical part of the end portion 106 is larger than the diameter ofthe cylindrical portion 104. The end portion 106 may be configured forholding the dustcap such that it may be placed on or removed from theconnector.

FIG. 1B shows an exemplary size of the dustcap 100. For example, thedustcap 100 has a length of about 0.48 inches from the bottom of thecylindrical portion 104 to the top of the end portion 106. The endportion 106 is shown to have a diameter of about 0.23 inches.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view ofone embodiment of a dustcap 110 including a built-in cleaner. Thedustcap 110 has a body 111 configured similarly to the dustcap 100. Forexample, the dustcap 110 has a tube 112 configured to receive a ferruleof an optical fiber connector. The dustcap 110 has a cylindrical portion114 and an end portion 116 at one end of the cylindrical portion. Theend portion 116 is also cylindrical shaped, with a tapering portion 118extending towards the cylindrical portion 114. A diameter of thecylindrical part of the end portion 116 is larger than the diameter ofthe cylindrical portion 114.

The dustcap 110 further comprises a cover 120 configured to couple tothe body 111 of the dustcap. For example, the cover 120 is configured tocouple to the end portion 116 of the dustcap. The cover 120 has aplurality of tabs 122 configured to couple to at least a part of the endportion 116 and the tapered portion 118 of the dustcap 110, so as tosnap the cover to the body 111 of the dustcap. The tabs 122 are alsotapered at one end such that the tapered ends of the tabs couple to thetapered portion 118 of the dustcap. The tabs 122 protrude from a firstportion 124 of the cover 120, forming a cylindrical structure around theend portion 116 of the dustcap. The cover 122 also comprises a secondportion 126 having a diameter larger than the first portion 124, forexample to facilitate holding the cover 120. The cover 120 is configuredto be placed on and removed from the body 111 of the dustcap. In otherembodiments, the cover 120 may be coupled to the body of the dustcapusing any connection mechanism, including but not limited to, forexample, a latch, a hinge, or a threaded connection.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the cover 120 is placed over the end portion116 of the dustcap 110, an interior chamber 128 is formed between thecover and the body 111 of the dustcap. A cleaner 130 is placed in theinterior chamber 128 between the cover 120 and the body 111 of thedustcap. The cleaner 130 may be attached, for example, to the topsurface 132 of the end portion 116. The cover 120 may be removed fromthe body 111 of the dustcap 110 to expose the cleaner 130 at the end ofthe body. The cleaner 130 may then be used to clean the connectorferrule. In other embodiments, the cleaner may be attached to the coverrather than the body of the dustcap.

FIG. 2C shows an exemplary size of the dustcap 110. For example, thedustcap 110 has a length of about 0.59 inches from the bottom of thecylindrical portion 114 to the top of the cover 120. The top of thecover 120 is shown to have a diameter of about 0.39 inches.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the dustcap 110 being inserted into anoptical fiber connector 140 having a ferrule 142. FIG. 2E shows across-sectional view of the dustcap 110 inserted into the optical fiberconnector 140. Referring to FIGS. 2D and 2E, the body 111 of the dustcap110 is shown to have an end portion with a flat surface. The cleaner 130is attached to the flat surface. The cover 120 is configured to snaponto the end portion of the body 111.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view ofanother embodiment of a dustcap 210 including a built-in cleaner. Thedustcap 210 has a body 211. The body 211 of the dustcap 210 has a tube212 configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector. Thedustcap 210 has a cylindrical portion 214 and an end portion 216 at oneend of the cylindrical portion. The end portion 216 has a taperingportion 218 extending towards the cylindrical portion 214. A diameter ofthe end portion 216 is larger than the diameter of the cylindricalportion 214. In this embodiment, the end portion 216 has a receptacle234 formed therein. The receptacle 234 is configured to store thecleaner 230 within the dustcap 210. The receptacle 234 and the tube 212are disposed at opposite ends of the dustcap 210, separated by a divider232 forming the bottom surface of the end portion 216. The cleaner 230is embedded within the receptacle 234 at the end portion 216 of thedustcap. In other embodiments, the cleaner may be attached to the coverof the dustcap.

The dustcap 210 further comprises a cover 220 configured to couple tothe body 211 of the dustcap. For example, the cover 220 is configured tocouple to the end portion 216 of the dustcap. The cover 220 has aplurality of tabs 222 configured to couple to a part of the end portion216 of the dustcap 210, so as to latch the cover to the body 211 of thedustcap. The tabs 222 protrude from a first portion 224 of the cover220, forming a cylindrical structure around the end portion 216 of thedustcap. The end portion 216 has small protrusions 236 on an exterior ofthe end portion. The protrusions 236 are configured as stops to preventthe tabs 222 from decoupling from the end portion. The cover 220 alsocomprises a second portion 226 forming the top of the cover and having adiameter larger than the first portion 224, for example to facilitateholding the cover 220. The cover 220 is configured to be placed on andremoved from the body 211 of the dustcap, thereby covering the cleaner230 within the dustcap 210. In other embodiments, the cover 220 may becoupled to the body of the dustcap using any connection mechanism,including but not limited to, for example, a latch, a hinge, or athreaded connection.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the cover 220 is placed over the end portion216 of the dustcap 210, the cleaner 230 is disposed below the cover andwithin the body 211 of the dustcap. The cleaner 230 may be attached, forexample, to the receptacle 234 of the end portion 216. The cover 220 maybe removed from the body 211 of the dustcap 210 to expose the cleaner230 at the end of the body. The cleaner 230 may then be used to cleanthe connector ferrule. In other embodiments, the cleaner may be attachedto the cover rather than the body of the dustcap.

FIG. 3C shows an exemplary size of the dustcap 210. For example, thedustcap 210 has a length of about 0.65 inches from the bottom of thecylindrical portion 214 to the top of the cover 220. The top of thecover 220 is shown to have a diameter of about 0.39 inches.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the dustcap 210 being inserted into anoptical fiber connector 240 having a ferrule 242. FIG. 3E shows across-sectional view of the dustcap 210 inserted into the optical fiberconnector 240. Referring to FIGS. 3D and 3E, the body 211 of the dustcap210 is shown to have an end portion having a receptacle. The cleaner 230is inserted into the receptacle. The cover 220 is configured to snaponto the end portion of the body 211.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view ofanother embodiment of a dustcap 310 including a built-in cleaner. Thedustcap 310 has a body 311. The body 311 of the dustcap 310 has a tube312 configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector. Thedustcap 310 has a cylindrical portion 314 and an end portion 316 at oneend of the cylindrical portion. The end portion 316 has a taperingportion 318 extending towards the cylindrical portion 314. A diameter ofthe end portion 316 is larger than the diameter of the cylindricalportion 314. In this embodiment, the end portion 316 has a receptacle334 formed therein. The receptacle 334 is configured to receive thecover 320 of the dustcap 310. The receptacle 334 and the tube 312 aredisposed at opposite ends of the dustcap 310, separated by a divider 332forming a part of the end portion 316.

The dustcap 310 further comprises a cover 320 configured to couple tothe body 311 of the dustcap. For example, the cover 320 is configured tobe partially inserted into the end portion 316 of the dustcap 310. Thecover 320 has a plurality of tabs 322 configured to be inserted into theend portion 316 of the dustcap 310, so as to latch the cover to the body311 of the dustcap. The end portion 316 has small protrusions 336configured as stops to prevent the tabs 322 from spontaneouslydecoupling from the end portion. The tabs 322 protrude from a firstportion 324 of the cover 320. The cover 320 also comprises a secondportion 326 forming the top of the cover and having a diameter largerthan the first portion 324, for example to facilitate holding the cover320. The cover 320 has a receptacle 338 bound partially by the tabs 322.In this embodiment, the cleaner 330 is embedded within the receptacle338 of the cover 320. In other embodiments, the cleaner may be attachedto the body of the dustcap. The cover 320 with the built-in cleaner 330is configured to be placed on and removed from the body 311 of thedustcap 310. In various embodiments, the cover 220 may be coupled to thebody of the dustcap using any connection mechanism, including but notlimited to, for example, a latch, a hinge, or a threaded connection.

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the cover 320 is placed over the end portion316 of the dustcap 310, the cleaner 330 is disposed within thereceptacle 338 of the cover, which is inserted into the receptacle 334of the end portion 316 of the dustcap. The cleaner 330 may be attached,for example, to the receptacle 338 of the cover 320. The cover 320 maybe removed from the body 311 of the dustcap 310 to expose the cleaner330 embedded within the cover 320. The cleaner 330 may then be used toclean the connector ferrule. In other embodiments, the cleaner may beattached to the body of the dustcap rather than the cover of thedustcap.

FIG. 4C shows an exemplary size of the dustcap 310. For example, thedustcap 310 has a length of about 0.75 inches from the bottom of thecylindrical portion 314 to the top of the cover 320. The top of thecover 320 is shown to have a diameter of about 0.48 inches.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the dustcap 310 being inserted into anoptical fiber connector 340 having a ferrule 342. FIG. 4E shows across-sectional view of the dustcap 310 inserted into the optical fiberconnector 340. Referring to FIGS. 4D and 4E, the body 311 of the dustcap310 is shown to have an end portion having a receptacle configured toreceive the cover 320. The cover 320 has a receptacle configured toreceive the cleaner 330. The receptacle of the end portion of the body311 is configured to receive the cover 320 including the cleaner 330. Invarious embodiments, the optical fiber connector is an SC connector.However, various embodiments of dustcaps with cleaners disclosed hereinmay be configured for other types of connectors.

FIG. 5A shows a dustcap 410 with cleaner 430 being inserted into anoptical fiber connector 440. The optical fiber connector 440 has aferrule 442. The dustcap 410 is configured to receive the ferrule 442.FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap 410 inserted into theoptical fiber connector 430. The dustcap 410 is configured similarly tothe dustcap 210 of FIGS. 3A to 3E. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, thedustcap 410 has a body 411 having an end portion 416. The end portion416 includes a receptacle 434. The receptacle 434 is configured toreceive the cleaner 430. The end portion 416 of the dustcap 410 isfurther configured to receive a sealing film 420. The sealing film 420may be a flat film for covering the cleaner 430 of the dustcap 410. Thesealing film 420 may be shaped as an oval or may have a protrudingportion 421 that extends beyond the size of the end portion of thedustcap 410, for example to facilitate removal of the sealing film fromthe body of the dustcap.

FIG. 6A shows a dustcap 510 with cleaner 530 being inserted into anoptical fiber connector 540. The optical fiber connector 540 has aferrule 542. The dustcap 510 is configured to receive the ferrule 542.FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap 510 inserted into theoptical fiber connector 530. The dustcap 510 is configured similarly tothe dustcap 210 of FIGS. 3A to 3E. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, thedustcap 510 has a body 511 having an end portion 516. The end portion516 includes a receptacle 534. The receptacle 534 is configured toreceive the cleaner 530. The end portion 516 of the dustcap 510 isfurther configured to receive a sealing film 520. The sealing film 520may be a flat film for covering the cleaner 530 of the dustcap 510. Inthis embodiment, the sealing film 520 is shaped and sized to match theshape and size of the end portion 516 of the dustcap 510. In otherembodiments, the sealing film may be shaped or sized differently. Inthis embodiment, the end portion 516 of the dustcap 510 is longer thanthe length of the cleaner 530. Thus, a space remains above the cleaner530 within the cavity 534. In other embodiments, the cleaner maycompletely fill the cavity. In yet other embodiments, the cleaner mayprotrude outside the cavity.

FIG. 7A shows a dustcap 610 with cleaner 630 being inserted into anoptical fiber connector 640. The optical fiber connector 640 has aferrule 642. The dustcap 610 is configured to receive the ferrule 642.FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the dustcap 610 inserted into theoptical fiber connector 630. The dustcap 610 is configured similarly tothe dustcap 510 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, but has a hinged cover 620 insteadof the sealing film 520 of FIGS. 6A and 6B. Referring to FIGS. 7A and7B, the dustcap 610 has a body 611 having an end portion 616. The endportion 616 includes a receptacle 634. The receptacle 634 is configuredto receive the cleaner 630. The dustcap 610 has an integrated cover 620.The cover 620 is hinged, and coupled to the end portion 616 of the body611. The hinged cover 620 may be shaped and sized to match the shape andsize of the end portion 616 of the dustcap 610, or may be shaped orsized differently. For example, the cover 620 may have a protrudingportion to allow easier opening of the cover. In this embodiment, theend portion 616 of the dustcap 610 is longer than the length of thecleaner 630. Thus, a space remains above the cleaner 630 within thecavity 634. In other embodiments, the cleaner may completely fill thecavity. In yet other embodiments, the cleaner may protrude outside thecavity.

Various embodiments of dustcaps described above are configured toinclude cleaners. In other embodiments, a cleaner assembly separate fromthe dustcap may be provided, as shown and described below in relation toFIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 8A shows one embodiment of a cleaner assembly 700 for coupling toan optical fiber connector 740. The optical fiber connector 740 has aferrule 742. A dustcap 710 for the ferrule 742 is configured to beinserted into the optical fiber connector 740. FIG. 8B is across-sectional view of the cleaner assembly 700 of FIG. 8A coupled tothe optical fiber connector 740. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, thecleaner assembly 700 has a body 702. The body 702 is configured toreceive the dustcap 710. The body 702 is further configured to snap intothe housing of the optical fiber connector 740. In other embodiments,other connection mechanisms may be used. The body 702 includes a topflat surface configured to receive a cleaner 730. The cleaner 730 isalso flat and has a rectangular shape that matches that of the body 702.However, in other embodiments, the cleaner may be shaped differently,and the body 702 may have a receptacle rather than a flat surface forreceiving the cleaner. Other shapes and arrangements of the body of thecleaner assembly and the cleaner are also within the scope of thisdisclosure. The cleaner assembly 700 further comprises a cover 720configured to snap into the body 702. In other embodiments, the cover720 may also be connected to the body 702 using any other connectionmechanism. The cover 720 may have a receptacle configured to providespace for the cleaner 730. The cover 720 may be configured to include ahandle to enable easier opening and removal of the cover. The cleanerassembly 700 is separate from the dustcap 710, but configured to receivethe dustcap by providing a space within the body of the cleaner assemblyfor storage of the dustcap. In this embodiment, the cleaner assembly isconfigured to couple to the housing of the optical fiber connector. Inother embodiments, the cleaner assembly may be configured to coupleinstead to the dustcap.

Various embodiments of dustcaps having cleaners and embodiments ofcleaner assemblies were provided for optical fiber connectors andferrules. The various disclosed embodiments may also be provided foradapters. For example, the dustcaps having cleaners may be configuredfor coupling to optical fiber adapters. Cleaner assemblies disclosedherein may also be configured for coupling to optical fiber adapters.Some examples of adapter dustcaps including cleaners are shown anddescribed below in relation to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

FIG. 9A shows one embodiment of an adapter dustcap 800 including acleaner 830. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter dustcap800. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the adapter dustcap 800 includes abody 810. The body 810 may be an integral piece or may comprise, forexample, a base portion and a cover portion. The body 810 includes areceptacle 812 configured to receive the cleaner 830. The receptacle 812has a depth exceeding that of the cleaner 830, such that some spaceremains above the cleaner within the receptacle. In other embodiments,the receptacle may be sized to match the size of the cleaner, or thecleaner may extend beyond the depth of the receptacle. In thisembodiment, the adapter dustcap 800 further comprises a sealing film820. The sealing film 820 is a flat film configured to cover a topportion of the body 810, including the receptacle 812. The sealing film820 may extend beyond the top portion of the body 810, to facilitateremoval of the sealing film from the adapter dustcap.

FIG. 10A shows another embodiment of an adapter dustcap 900 including acleaner 930. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter dustcap900. The adapter dustcap 900 is configured similarly to the adapterdustcap 800 of FIG. 9 , but is configured to have a hinged cover 920rather than a sealing film. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the adapterdustcap 900 includes a body 910. The body 910 may be an integral pieceor may comprise, for example, a base portion and a cover portion. Thebody 910 includes a receptacle 912 configured to receive the cleaner930. The receptacle 912 has a depth exceeding that of the cleaner 930,such that some space remains above the cleaner within the receptacle. Inother embodiments, the receptacle may be sized to match the size of thecleaner, or the cleaner may extend beyond the depth of the receptacle.In this embodiment, the adapter dustcap 900 further comprises a hingedcover 920. The hinged cover 920 is hinged to the body 910. The hingedcover 920 includes a cylindrical portion 922 configured to fit withinthe empty space above the cleaner 930 within the receptacle 912, forexample to retain the hinged cover 920 in a closed position relative tothe body 910 of the adapter dustcap 900.

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbolstypically identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detaileddescription, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in theFigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in termsof “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning“including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devicescan also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various componentsand steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as definingessentially closed-member groups.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, or C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a grouphaving 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, agroup having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells,and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

1. A cleaner assembly, comprising: a body configured to snap attach to ahousing of an optical fiber connector, the body comprising: an internalspace configured to receive a dustcap; and a surface that is configuredto receive a cleaner; and a cover configured to snap attach to the body.2. The cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface that isconfigured to receive the cleaner is a flat surface.
 3. The cleanerassembly of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a receptacle,and wherein the surface that is configured to receive the cleaner ispart of the receptacle.
 4. The cleaner assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a cleaner disposed on the surface.
 5. The cleaner assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the cover comprises a receptacle opening configured toreceive the cleaner.
 6. The cleaner assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a dustcap disposed in the internal space of the body.
 7. Thecleaner assembly of claim 6, wherein the dustcap is configured toreceive a ferrule of the optical fiber connector.
 8. The cleanerassembly of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a handle configured toenable removal of the cover from the cover from the body.
 9. The cleanerassembly of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a rectangular shapethat matches the body.
 10. A cleaner assembly, comprising: a bodyconfigured to snap attach to a housing of an optical fiber connector,the body comprising an internal space configured to receive a dustcap;and a cover configured to snap attach to the body, the cover comprisinga surface that is configured to receive a cleaner.
 11. The cleanerassembly of claim 10, wherein the surface that is configured to receivethe cleaner is a flat surface.
 12. The cleaner assembly of claim 10,wherein the cover further comprises a receptacle, and wherein thesurface that is configured to receive the cleaner is part of thereceptacle.
 13. The cleaner assembly of claim 10, further comprising acleaner disposed on the surface.
 14. The cleaner assembly of claim 10,wherein the body comprises a flat surface configured to receive thecleaner.
 15. The cleaner assembly of claim 10, further comprising adustcap disposed in the internal space of the body.
 16. The cleanerassembly of claim 15, wherein the dustcap is configured to receive aferrule of the optical fiber connector.
 17. The cleaner assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the cover comprises a handle configured to enableremoval of the cover from the cover from the body.
 18. The cleanerassembly of claim 10, wherein the surface comprises a rectangular shapethat matches a shape of the body.
 19. The dustcap of claim 10, whereinthe dustcap is configured to receive a ferrule of the optical fiberconnector.
 20. The dustcap of claim 10, wherein the cleaner is securedto at least a portion of the surface.